History of Watford & Clarendon Road | Office Cleaning Experts

At The Callver Cleaning Co, we’re proud to call Watford our home. For nearly two decades, we’ve been providing office cleaning in Watford and across Hertfordshire, keeping workplaces fresh, hygienic, and welcoming. But while we spend much of our time making Clarendon Road’s offices shine, we also think it’s worth pausing to celebrate the story of our hometown.

Watford is more than just a commuter town 20 minutes from London. It has a fascinating history stretching back hundreds of years — from medieval markets to Victorian growth, from post-war redevelopment to the bustling business district we know today.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Watford’s past, with a special focus on how its commercial heart — particularly Clarendon Road and the town centre — developed into a thriving hub for business, commerce, and yes, office cleaning too.

Early Beginnings: Medieval Watford

Watford’s story begins long before glass-fronted offices lined Clarendon Road. The town grew around the River Colne, and its name likely comes from the Old English “Wadford” — a ford where wattle was found. In medieval times, it became a small market town, benefiting from its location on the route from London to the Midlands.

Merchants and traders would pass through, stopping at inns and shops. While we may not imagine office cleaning in a medieval setting, businesses have always been at the heart of Watford’s identity. In fact, the market tradition still survives today in the bustling Watford Market, linking the town’s commercial roots with its present.

The 18th and 19th Centuries: Growth and Industry

By the 1700s, Watford was beginning to expand beyond its market town heritage. The opening of the Grand Union Canal in 1798 and the London and Birmingham Railway in 1837 brought new opportunities. Goods could move quickly to and from London, and Watford became an attractive place for industry and commerce.

The Victorian period saw rapid growth in housing and employment. Breweries, paper mills, and printing works set up in the town, bringing with them new types of workplaces that required maintenance and cleaning. In many ways, Watford was laying the groundwork for the office buildings and commercial premises that dominate the town today.

The 20th Century: Modernisation and Commerce

The 20th century was transformative for Watford. The population boomed, new housing estates were built, and the town centre became a focal point for shopping and business. Companies began moving into the area, attracted by Watford’s transport links and skilled workforce.

Post-war development saw the rise of Clarendon Road, now the heart of Watford’s business district. Offices for finance, insurance, and professional services began to appear. Today, Clarendon Road is lined with modern office blocks, home to companies of all sizes. And where there are offices, there is a need for professional office cleaning — something we at The Callver Cleaning Co know all about.

Clarendon Road: The Beating Heart of Watford’s Business Life

If you ask anyone in Watford where the centre of its business world lies, they’ll say Clarendon Road. Running from Watford Junction station down into the town, it’s home to major office buildings, corporate headquarters, and thriving local firms.

Clarendon Road is particularly important because of its accessibility. Workers commuting from London can step off the train at Watford Junction and be at their desks within minutes. This has made it a magnet for investment and for global firms looking for a base just outside the capital.

For us at The Callver Cleaning Co, Clarendon Road is part of our daily routine. Many of the offices here rely on us for commercial cleaning services, ensuring their workspaces are clean, safe, and professional. We’ve seen first-hand how the street has developed — with new builds replacing older properties and a constant buzz of activity.

Watford Town Centre: Retail and Commercial Growth

Beyond Clarendon Road, Watford’s town centre has grown into a major shopping and leisure destination. The Atria Watford shopping centre (formerly the Harlequin) attracts thousands of visitors each week, while the High Street is filled with restaurants, cafés, and bars.

But Watford town centre isn’t just about shopping. Above the retail units and down its side streets are dozens of offices — from small start-ups to established companies. These premises all need reliable cleaning services to keep them running smoothly. In fact, one of the things we love about working in Watford is the variety — one day we’re cleaning a sleek, modern office on Clarendon Road, the next we’re making sure a High Street retail unit looks spotless.

Watford Today: A Thriving Business Hub

Today, Watford is one of the most dynamic towns in Hertfordshire. With over 96,000 residents, it combines the feel of a self-contained community with the opportunities of a London satellite.

• Business District: Clarendon Road continues to grow, with new office developments attracting international firms.

• Transport Links: Fast rail connections to Euston make Watford ideal for businesses wanting access to London without the costs.

• Community: From cultural landmarks like the Palace Theatre to the home of Watford FC at Vicarage Road, the town has a strong sense of identity.

For us, being based in Watford means being at the centre of this growth. Our role in providing office cleaning in Watford isn’t just about dusting desks or polishing floors. It’s about helping businesses create workplaces where employees feel proud to work and where clients feel welcome.

The Future of Watford

So where is Watford heading? Plans for continued regeneration are underway, including improvements to the business district around Clarendon Road and ongoing investment in transport infrastructure.

As more businesses move into the town, the demand for high-quality office cleaning services in Watford will only increase. We see ourselves as part of that future — keeping the town’s workplaces clean, hygienic, and ready for the challenges of the modern world.

Why The Callver Cleaning Co Loves Watford

At The Callver Cleaning Co, we’re proud not just to work in Watford but to be part of its story. From the days of medieval markets to the modern offices of Clarendon Road, Watford has always been about commerce, growth, and community.

Our contribution is simple but vital: keeping workplaces clean, safe, and productive. Whether it’s a small office needing a regular clean, a corporate headquarters requiring daily maintenance, or a commercial premises in need of a deep clean, we bring the same dedication and care.

Because just as Watford has evolved over the centuries, so has the way we think about workspaces. Clean, hygienic, well-maintained offices aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential for staff wellbeing, client confidence, and long-term business success.

Final Thoughts

Watford’s history is rich, fascinating, and deeply connected to the world of commerce. From its early days as a market town to the thriving office district we see today, Watford has always been a place where business happens.

And as long as businesses need clean, safe spaces to thrive, The Callver Cleaning Co will be here — providing reliable, professional office cleaning services in Watford and beyond.

So next time you walk down Clarendon Road, past the busy offices and modern glass buildings, remember: you’re walking through the latest chapter of a story that began centuries ago — a story of growth, community, and hard work. And we’re proud to play our part in keeping that story fresh and sparkling clean.